While I know perfectly well that Christmas is about the gift of God’s only begotten son, not the other gifts we receive, this is a blog about rug hooking and I did receive a couple of things that directly affect my ability to be productive in a fiber arts sort of way. In fact, one thing had been on my list for some time and, while I really have not had opportunity to use it yet, there is no doubt that it will make my rug hooking life easier.
Deep down, doesn’t every fiber artist want a door stop? Whenever I am dyeing, the studio doors (garage and back) have to be open so that a breeze can cool down and oxygenate the place. That never happens for long as a breeze big enough to accomplish everything also shuts the back door. For years I have kept a gallon of white vinegar on hand as both an acidic back up and makeshift door stop. However, with every pour, the stopping effect becomes less and less. It is a wonder that I have been able to do anything with this sort of temporary set up. Fortunately, my own elf found this very substantial cast iron door stop and my studio comfort level is now assured. (I also got a couple of DVD’s to watch while working as well as an iTunes Gift Card which will probably go to my other studio staple – audio books.)
Do you watch the Rose Parade? If you watch the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day you might be interested in these two things which make me particularly proud:
* The high artistic level of the City of Anaheim float, the result, no doubt, of my church’s youth group and sponsors, who worked all day yesterday installing flowers on the float as a community service project.
*A lovely teenager, Karina, also from our congregation, who will be riding on the City of Hope float. Karina is a cancer survivor who has responded very well to the aggressive treatments she has received for the last year at the City of Hope, one of the area’s best hospitals. She is a beautiful girl from a beautiful family and I would appreciate it if you would cheer her on as she rides across your TV screen!
BillieJo
December 29, 2009 at 6:21 am
What a ‘burden’ placed on Katrina at such a tender age! Of course we’ll cheer her on with prayers to
enable her in strength and convictions to conquer the burden. BillieJo
rugbug48
December 29, 2009 at 9:06 am
Gene, It will be fun to watch the parade knowing there is some remote connection to the participants. I will cheer for Katrina and wish for her a Happier New Year. Thank you for sharing that story. Makes you realize that there are so many stories about people we see every day and have no idea what they go through.
That doorstop is beautiful and it looks like it could stop almost anything…..including you from walking if it falls over on your toe. Be careful.
Gene Shepherd
December 29, 2009 at 9:17 am
I will be glad to pass everyone’s good wishes on to Karina and her family. (She is 17 and has a big beautiful smile … and will probably be wearing some sort of hat as she does not have any hair!) It will be a real achievement for her to be on that float and I thought that would be something you would enjoy knowing as well. GRS
CherryStHooker
December 29, 2009 at 10:54 am
Three Cheers for Karina!!! Gene, I used to help deorate the Torrance float. So much fun. I will be watching for her on the City of Hope float.
~Anita
Jacque
December 29, 2009 at 11:50 am
Love the doorstop… will be happy to cheer on Karina.. thanks for sharing.
Miccosukee
January 1, 2010 at 10:52 am
Gene,
My fibro has forced me to put my hooking aside for a while. Did I miss the requirements on how to register for the Internet Rug Camp? I can’t imagine not being a part of that.
Happy New Year,
Trisha